> We can't mix together residential and commercial properties in the US (anymore) due to zoning laws You make this statement like there are national zoning law

> We can't mix together residential and commercial properties in the US (anymore) due to zoning laws You make this statement like there are national zoning laws. Doing exactly this is common in northeastern New Jersey, and the result is pretty dense and walkable suburban areas. That said, much of this is due to momentum; many of the suburbs were platted before car ownership was widespread and the later ones continued similar, familiar patterns.